Understanding the New Ecclesiastical Fees Order 2025

In a significant move, the UK government has updated the fee structure for various ecclesiastical legal proceedings in England. The Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order 2025, which received approval from the General Synod, will come into effect on January 1, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of what this means:

Why the Change? The Order revokes and replaces the previous 2024 version, aiming to streamline and update the fee structure for ecclesiastical legal processes. This move is part of the broader effort to ensure the legal framework surrounding church-related matters is both fair and up-to-date.

Key Highlights:

1. Faculty Proceedings: When submitting petitions related to church buildings or objects, a standard fee of £224 is now applicable. However, diocesan boards have the discretion to waive fees based on financial contributions to the diocese.

2. Consistory Court Proceedings: Fees vary depending on the nature of the proceedings, with specific charges for petitions, applications for injunctions, and other legal orders. For example, submitting a petition incurs a fee of £60 for the Chancellor and £252 for the Registrar.

3. Appeals and Reviews: Fees are also set for appeals from consistory court decisions and reviews by a Commission of Review. These fees are structured based on the length and complexity of the proceedings, such as £535 for a half-day hearing by the Dean of the Arches.

4. Disciplinary Proceedings: The Order outlines fees for clergy discipline cases, including hearings and the preparation of judgments, ensuring that the disciplinary process is adequately funded.

5. Miscellaneous Fees: The Order also specifies annual fees for positions such as the Vicar-General and the President of Tribunals, reflecting the importance of these roles in ecclesiastical governance.

Additional Provisions:

• Exemptions and Reductions: Similar to civil court proceedings, this Order allows for exemptions or reductions in fees for eligible individuals, ensuring accessibility to justice regardless of financial status.

• Expenses and VAT: Fees can be adjusted to cover travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses. Moreover, Value Added Tax (VAT) is chargeable in addition to the set fees where applicable.

This update signifies a careful balancing act between maintaining the church’s legal processes and ensuring these services are accessible and financially sustainable. As these changes take effect, the church community, legal officers, and involved parties should familiarize themselves with the new fee structure to ensure compliance and proper budgeting for future ecclesiastical matters.